Autumn and Winter “Lung and Large Intestine” Care

Dryness and Cold to Watch for in Autumn and Winter

From autumn into winter, dogs and cats are exposed to dryness and cold.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this season is thought to be a time when the functions associated with the “lung” and “large intestine” may weaken, and changes in breathing, skin, or bowel movements may become more noticeable.

In TCM terms, dry air can affect the skin and cold can impede the flow of qi and blood, leaving the body with less energy and moisture.

That is why “supporting qi and moistening the lung” is emphasized in autumn and winter care.

However, dry skin and hard stools can have many causes besides the season.
Look for changes from your pet’s usual condition rather than assuming autumn or winter is the cause.

“Lung and Large Intestine” and “Supporting Qi and Moistening the Lung” in TCM

In TCM, autumn and winter are seasons when people pay particular attention to functions associated with the “lung” and “large intestine.”

“Lung” and “qi” here are TCM concepts; they do not directly indicate the state of an organ or a diagnosis in modern veterinary medicine.

Autumn and winter care focuses on dryness and cold while supporting the body through everyday habits.

One idea to keep in mind is “supporting qi and moistening the lung.”

• Supporting qi: replenishing the energy that helps the body function.
• Moistening the lung: a TCM approach to addressing dryness associated with the lung.

These ideas may sound unfamiliar, but small adjustments to ingredient choices and how food is served can be part of daily care.

Ingredients Traditionally Used to Support Qi and Moisture

• For qi: sweet potatoes, chestnuts, pumpkin, and similar foods.
• For moisture: snow fungus, pears, honey, and similar foods.

These foods have traditionally been used in seasonal care during autumn and winter.

If your pet tends to have dry skin, a sensitive throat, or small, hard stools, consider how to introduce ingredients while monitoring its usual diet and condition.

Before offering any new ingredient, check whether it is suitable for your dog or cat, taking its individual health, medical conditions, and allergies into account.

What to Observe in Skin, Breathing, and Stools

Look for changes like these in your pet’s everyday routine, without making observation a burden.

• Skin and coat: itching, redness, dandruff, or a change in coat condition.
• Breathing: coughing, sneezing, or a change in breathing rate or pattern.
• Stools: changes in frequency or firmness, or straining to pass stool.
• Overall condition: changes in appetite, energy, or water intake.

No single change is enough to identify a cause.

If something concerning continues, record when it began and how long it has lasted, and consult your veterinarian.

Food, Water, and the Home Environment

Start with a complete and balanced diet suited to your pet and fresh water.

Keep water in an easy-to-reach place and review your pet’s food and water intake.

For some cats, adding a little water to food or offering wet food may be suitable.

If you want to add seasonal food to a dog’s meal, one option is to cook plain sweet potato or pumpkin without seasoning and start with a small amount while watching for any changes.

New foods, including pears, snow fungus, and honey, are not suitable for every dog or cat.
Consider your pet’s health, medical conditions, prescribed diet, allergies, and the balance of its overall diet.

When heating is on, check room temperature, humidity, and how much water your pet is drinking. Adjust its resting place if it seems cold.

There is no need to force care your pet dislikes.

If You Choose to Use WANKO DASHI

Inzen Hinata’s WANKO DASHI is a broth based on bonito, dried anchovies, and mackerel, blended with Job’s tears, dandelion, eucommia leaves, dried citrus peel, and Korean ginseng.

The savory aroma of bonito, dried anchovies, and mackerel makes it easy to incorporate into everyday meals.

Each of the traditional ingredients also has its own characteristics.

In TCM and food therapy, dandelion, eucommia leaves, and dried citrus peel have traditionally been used as ingredients associated with supporting the body’s circulation.

Korean ginseng and Job’s tears are considered to support qi and fluid balance and are used in seasonal care focused on energy and hydration.

You can try adding a small amount of warmed WANKO DASHI to your pet’s usual food, according to the season and its preferences.

To add variety to everyday meals, follow the product instructions and start with a small amount in your pet’s usual food or water.

WANKO DASHI contains fish ingredients.
If your pet has allergies, a medical condition, a prescribed diet, or dietary restrictions, show the ingredient list to your veterinarian and ask for advice.

Check the temperature before serving; do not serve it hot.

Precautions and When to Consult a Veterinarian

This article provides general information about TCM approaches to seasonal care and everyday health management.
It does not replace diagnosis or treatment.

• Consult a veterinary clinic if coughing or breathing changes, severe itching or redness, hard stools, or straining to pass stool continue.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly if your pet has difficulty breathing, suddenly loses energy, vomits, or cannot pass stool.
• If your pet has a medical condition, allergy, prescribed diet, or dietary restriction, ask your veterinarian before adding a new food or product.

Observing your pet’s nose, skin, stools, and appetite in everyday life is a first step toward finding an autumn and winter routine that suits it.